Northern Ireland

Crowds gallop along to Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle

Horses race along the beach to the finish line on the first day of the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. Picture byMargaret McLaughlin
Horses race along the beach to the finish line on the first day of the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. Picture byMargaret McLaughlin Horses race along the beach to the finish line on the first day of the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. Picture byMargaret McLaughlin

THE oldest fair in Ireland returned to Co Antrim this weekend, and has been attracting thousands of visitors over the past three days.

Market stalls lined the streets of Ballycastle for the Auld Lammas Fair, selling the traditional dulse seaweed and Yellowman honeycomb as well as local produce, arts and crafts.

The fair has been the place to trade horses since the 17th century and the tradition continued this year, in addition to a horse race on the beach to raise money for the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Traditional music and Irish dancers entertained the crowds and the seafront was dominated by the landmark Big Wheel.

The fair, which ends today, also included a fireworks display, live music and twilight market.